1997 Honda Legend vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Honda Legend is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Legend (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 360 kg more than 1997 Honda Legend.
Because 1974 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Legend, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Legend. (298 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Legend | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Legend | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2910 mm |
